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East Wall
East Wall

East Wall

By General Idea

Located in Toronto, Ontario

"East Wall of the Main Floor Stairwell" is one of the final preparatory drawings for the installation. The work features General Idea's hand-written inscriptions which detail the ant...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gold Leaf

Portrait of Isabella d'Este - Etching from Louvre Museum
Portrait of Isabella d'Este - Etching from Louvre Museum

Portrait of Isabella d'Este - Etching from Louvre Museum

By Leonardo da Vinci

Located in Paris, IDF

This copperplate by Alphonse Leroy reproduces a preparatory drawing by Leonardo da Vinci for the portrait of Isabelle d'Este, Marchioness of Mantua.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian School Portrait Prints

Materials

Etching

WOMAN WITH OPERA GLASSES (STUDY FOR "IN THE LOGE").
WOMAN WITH OPERA GLASSES (STUDY FOR "IN THE LOGE").

WOMAN WITH OPERA GLASSES (STUDY FOR "IN THE LOGE").

By Mary Cassatt

Located in Portland, ME

In the discussion of the painting on its website, the MFA states: "About the time this picture was painted, Cassatt began to carry a small sketchbook in which she swiftly recorded pe...

Category

1870s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil

Untitled Composition (Poligrafa, Redfern, Wrapped Building, 75% OFF - MUST GO)
Untitled Composition (Poligrafa, Redfern, Wrapped Building, 75% OFF - MUST GO)

Untitled Composition (Poligrafa, Redfern, Wrapped Building, 75% OFF - MUST GO)

By Christo and Jeanne-Claude

Located in Kansas City, MO

While best known for monumental, site-specific installations—such as wrapped buildings, bridges, and landscapes—Christo and Jeanne-Claude consistently produced preparatory drawings, ...

Category

1970s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Siegfried
Siegfried

Siegfried

By Maxwell Armfield, RWS

Located in London, GB

The present work is a preparatory drawing for the artist’s 1905 tempera painting of the same subject.

Category

Early 1900s Pre-Raphaelite Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Winged Putti
Winged Putti

Winged Putti

By Andy Warhol

Located in Toronto, Ontario

It is possible that this drawing is an early iteration or preparatory drawing for the artist's 1956 hand-made book, "In the Bottom of My Garden".

Category

1950s American Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

A  Pair of Engravings of a Neo Classical tUrns by G.B. Piranesi/F. Piranesi
A  Pair of Engravings of a Neo Classical tUrns by G.B. Piranesi/F. Piranesi

A Pair of Engravings of a Neo Classical tUrns by G.B. Piranesi/F. Piranesi

By Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Giovanni Battista created a series of preparatory drawings about Paestum, which were completed by Francesco.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Drawings

Materials

Parchment Paper

“Study for Neobule, 1894” Neoclassical Chalk Drawing British Signed 19th Century
“Study for Neobule, 1894” Neoclassical Chalk Drawing British Signed 19th Century

“Study for Neobule, 1894” Neoclassical Chalk Drawing British Signed 19th Century

By Edward John Poynter

Located in Yardley, PA

“Study for Neobule, 1894” by Sir Edward John Poynter (English, 1836-1919) This exquisite 1894 study by Sir Edward John Poynter (1836–1919) serves as a preparatory drawing for his pa...

Category

1890s Aesthetic Movement Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Chalk

Portrait of Raphaël Fumet ; preparatory study for "La Famille mystique", 1914
Portrait of Raphaël Fumet ; preparatory study for "La Famille mystique", 1914

Portrait of Raphaël Fumet ; preparatory study for "La Famille mystique", 1914

By Jules Oury dit Marcel-Lenoir

Located in PARIS, FR

His fierce condemnations of bourgeois art and official institutions were to do his critical fortune a disservice. The drawing we are proposing is a preparatory study for The Mystica...

Category

Early 20th Century Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Pencil

Léopold KOWALSKY (1856-1931), Preparatory study for the painting “Jeux d’été”
Léopold KOWALSKY (1856-1931), Preparatory study for the painting “Jeux d’été”

Léopold KOWALSKY (1856-1931), Preparatory study for the painting “Jeux d’été”

Located in PARIS, FR

Léopold KOWALSKY (1856-1931) - Kowalski Preparatory study for the painting “Jeux d’été”, circa 1900 Graphite and aquarelle on blue paper Monogrammed “LK” lower right 30 × 23 cm frame...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Watercolor

The Medici Society : School of Tiepolo (1696-1770) Fine Art Prints c1930's
The Medici Society : School of Tiepolo (1696-1770) Fine Art Prints c1930's

The Medici Society : School of Tiepolo (1696-1770) Fine Art Prints c1930's

Located in Frome, Somerset

Two Medici Society Fine Art prints of preparatory drawing for paintings , Italian/ Venetian school of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770).

Category

1930s Rococo Figurative Prints

Materials

Printer's Ink

Soldier begging for Mercy a preparatory study by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 - 1766)
Soldier begging for Mercy a preparatory study by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 - 1766)

Soldier begging for Mercy a preparatory study by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 - 1766)

By Jean-Marc Nattier

Located in PARIS, FR

This rare drawing by Nattier is part of a set of preparatory studies executed in 1717 for one of the painter's first commissions, the painting commissioned by Tsar Peter I of Russia ...

Category

1710s Old Masters Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk

A preparatory study for the portrait of Spahi drawn by Pavel Tchelitchew in 1930
A preparatory study for the portrait of Spahi drawn by Pavel Tchelitchew in 1930

A preparatory study for the portrait of Spahi drawn by Pavel Tchelitchew in 1930

By Pavel Tchelitchew

Located in PARIS, FR

This vigorous ink wash study is preparatory to "Portrait of a Spahi," a 1931 painting reproduced (in black and white) in James Thrall Soby's book Tchelitchew: paintings, drawings—New...

Category

1930s Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

La Cigale - Galerie Galanis By Maurice Estève, 1956

La Cigale - Galerie Galanis By Maurice Estève, 1956

By Maurice Estève

Located in New York, NY

He said of his work: “I never use a sketch, I paint directly on the canvas, without a preparatory drawing. Each work is a series of transformations.”

Category

1950s Modern Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

La japonaise 3

La japonaise 3

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Marcher sur un fil

Marcher sur un fil

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Effritement 4

Effritement 4

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil

Hommage à Robert de Visée

Hommage à Robert de Visée

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Totem 3

Totem 3

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Effritement 5

Effritement 5

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil

Mantra 1

Mantra 1

By Jean-François Provost

Located in Montreal, Quebec

He argues that his approach to drawing and painting "goes far beyond simple execution on a support, in that it requires a detachment from the preparatory drawings, in favour of the c...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Neue Gallerie (With Writing) After Maurice Esteve, 1970
Neue Gallerie (With Writing) After Maurice Esteve, 1970

Neue Gallerie (With Writing) After Maurice Esteve, 1970

By Maurice Estève

Located in New York, NY

He said of his work: “I never use a sketch, I paint directly on the canvas, without a preparatory drawing. Each work is a series of transformations.”

Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

19th Century Charcoal Study of a Girl's Head on Colored Paper
19th Century Charcoal Study of a Girl's Head on Colored Paper

19th Century Charcoal Study of a Girl's Head on Colored Paper

Located in Firenze, IT

This artwork is part of a collection of approximately twenty preparatory drawings, figure studies, and sketches on wooden panels by Enrico Reffo (1831-1917), a renowned Italian paint...

Category

Late 19th Century Academic Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Paper

Delft – 19-03-23, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper

Delft – 19-03-23, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper

By Corne Akkers

Located in Yardley, PA

Preparatory Trip This graphite pencil drawing ‘Delft – 19-03-23’ is based on a trip to that city only yesterday.

Category

2010s Impressionist Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Pencil

1970 Henri de Toulouse Lautrec "Englishman At The Moulin Rouge" By Mourlot
1970 Henri de Toulouse Lautrec "Englishman At The Moulin Rouge" By Mourlot

1970 Henri de Toulouse Lautrec "Englishman At The Moulin Rouge" By Mourlot

By Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Mourlot

Located in San Carlos, CA

The original lithograph by Toulouse-Lautrec created in 1892 was itself based on a preparatory drawing on cardboard of the same year.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Prints

Materials

Other

Collages - Galerie Claude

Collages - Galerie Claude

By Maurice Estève

Located in New York, NY

He said of his work: “I never use a sketch, I paint directly on the canvas, without a preparatory drawing. Each work is a series of transformations.”

Category

1970s Abstract Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Baccarat fish-shaped planter from the Universal Exhibition, Paris, 1878
Baccarat fish-shaped planter from the Universal Exhibition, Paris, 1878

Baccarat fish-shaped planter from the Universal Exhibition, Paris, 1878

By Baccarat

Located in Charmes, FR

. - Baccarat, the Legend of Crystal, Petit Palais, Paris, 2014 – The model of our vase and the preparatory drawing for its decoration were exhibited at this event.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Japonisme Planters, Cachepots and Jardi...

Materials

Crystal

Double Sided Female Figure Portrait Studies Graphite Drawing French Paper
Double Sided Female Figure Portrait Studies Graphite Drawing French Paper

Double Sided Female Figure Portrait Studies Graphite Drawing French Paper

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Such double-sided works are typical of working sketch sheets, where artists utilised available materials efficiently during life drawing sessions or preparatory studies. The visible ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil, Graphite

The Riddle, Graphite on Canvas, Figurative Drawing, 30x40 in, 2026

The Riddle, Graphite on Canvas, Figurative Drawing, 30x40 in, 2026

By Bruno Surdo

Located in Chicago, IL

The result feels closely tied to the academic and Renaissance traditions that shape Surdo’s practice, where drawing is not preparatory but foundational, the place where idea, anatomy...

Category

2010s Old Masters Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Canvas, Graphite

16th Century Chalk Drawing of the Holy Spirit Surrounded by Angels

16th Century Chalk Drawing of the Holy Spirit Surrounded by Angels

By Federico Zuccari

Located in Paris, Île-de-France

His career was closely linked to major papal and aristocratic commissions, in an artistic context shaped by the legacy of Michelangelo and the stylistic explorations of late Manneris...

Category

16th Century Old Masters Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Laid Paper

Cornish, St. Ives artist Sven Berlin, 'Strutting cockerel' drawing
Cornish, St. Ives artist Sven Berlin, 'Strutting cockerel' drawing

Cornish, St. Ives artist Sven Berlin, 'Strutting cockerel' drawing

By Sven Berlin

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Like Elizabeth Frink, another great artist from the period, the excellence displayed in his sculptures goes hand in hand with these beautiful preparatory line drawings. Exhibiting an...

Category

20th Century Modern Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

Buoys No.3, Watercolour Painting by Reginald Brill
Buoys No.3, Watercolour Painting by Reginald Brill

Buoys No.3, Watercolour Painting by Reginald Brill

By Reginald Brill

Located in Kingsclere, GB

Brill's fascination with Harwich led to the production of a number of preparatory drawings and paintings, in addition to the larger completed oil The Buoys.

Category

20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

18th Century Drawing of Nieuwe Kerk Interior, Amsterdam in Red Chalk
18th Century Drawing of Nieuwe Kerk Interior, Amsterdam in Red Chalk

18th Century Drawing of Nieuwe Kerk Interior, Amsterdam in Red Chalk

Located in Paris, Île-de-France

Place within the Oeuvre Drawings of church interiors by Goeree are rare: only two other preparatory sheets (depicting the Oude Kerk) survive in the Victoria & Albert Museum, and just...

Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Chalk, Ink

Drawing, Portrait of a Man with Moustache and Bow Tie, Luigi Guglielmino Atelier
Drawing, Portrait of a Man with Moustache and Bow Tie, Luigi Guglielmino Atelier

Drawing, Portrait of a Man with Moustache and Bow Tie, Luigi Guglielmino Atelier

Located in Firenze, IT

After Reffo’s death, Guglielmino inherited his master’s studio, where not only his own works but also drawings, preparatory sketches and cartoons by Enrico Reffo and other members of...

Category

19th Century Art Nouveau Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pencil

Fenêtre sur la ville
Fenêtre sur la ville

Fenêtre sur la ville

By Robert Delaunay

Located in Paris, FR

(image) BFK Rives Paper Inspired by a preparatory drawing by Delaunay for La Ville n°2, this lithograph bears witness to the artist's process of formal deconstruction between 1909 a...

Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Polo Match Pencil Drawing by Kenneth Stevens MacIntire (1891-1979)
Polo Match Pencil Drawing by Kenneth Stevens MacIntire (1891-1979)

Polo Match Pencil Drawing by Kenneth Stevens MacIntire (1891-1979)

By Kenneth Stevens MacIntire

Located in Bristol, CT

Preparatory equine pencil drawing by Kenneth Stevens MacIntire (1891-1979) Pencil on paper Art Sz: 8.5" x 12" Frame Sz: 14.75" x 17.75" Kenneth Stevens MacIntire (1891 - 1979) wa...

Category

20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pencil

Sven Berlin, Cornish St. Ives artist, 20th Century 'Pegasus' drawing
Sven Berlin, Cornish St. Ives artist, 20th Century 'Pegasus' drawing

Sven Berlin, Cornish St. Ives artist, 20th Century 'Pegasus' drawing

By Sven Berlin

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Like Elizabeth Frink, another great artist from the period, the excellence displayed in his sculptures goes hand in hand with these beautiful preparatory line drawings. Exhibiting an...

Category

20th Century Modern Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Pen

British 20th Century St. Ives artist Sven Berlin 'Stag' drawing
British 20th Century St. Ives artist Sven Berlin 'Stag' drawing

British 20th Century St. Ives artist Sven Berlin 'Stag' drawing

By Sven Berlin

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Like Elizabeth Frink, another great artist from the period, the excellence displayed in his sculptures goes hand in hand with these beautiful preparatory line drawings. Exhibiting an...

Category

20th Century Romantic Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Pen

Omer Arbel
Omer Arbel

Omer Arbel

$90 / item

Omer Arbel

Located in New York, NY

Organized by four thematic chapters and richly illustrated with beautiful product photography interwoven with preparatory drawings and ephemera, this book provides unique insight int...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Books

Materials

Paper

Alpaca by Sven Berlin, Modern British artist, St. Ives school, drawing
Alpaca by Sven Berlin, Modern British artist, St. Ives school, drawing

Alpaca by Sven Berlin, Modern British artist, St. Ives school, drawing

By Sven Berlin

Located in Petworth, West Sussex

Like Elizabeth Frink, another great artist from the period, the excellence displayed in his sculptures goes hand in hand with these beautiful preparatory line drawings. Exhibiting an...

Category

20th Century Modern Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Pen

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Preparatory Drawing For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate preparatory drawing for your needs in our varied inventory. You’re likely to find the perfect preparatory drawing among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those made as recently as the 20th Century. When looking for the right preparatory drawing for your space, you can search on 1stDibs by color — popular works were created in bold and neutral palettes with elements of beige and brown. Creating a preparatory drawing has been a part of the legacy of many artists, but those crafted by John Steven Dews, Ferrau Fenzoni and Carl Nordell are consistently popular. Artworks like these of any era or style can make for thoughtful decor in any space, but a selection from our variety of those made in pencil, ink and canvas can add an especially memorable touch.

How Much is a Preparatory Drawing?

A preparatory drawing can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price for items in our inventory is $2,025, while the lowest priced sells for $300 and the highest can go for as much as $38,916.